shypoke.com Blog

The idea for Shypoke Wines took root in 1904, the resulting wines are a tribute to our century of honest, careful farming in Calistoga, at the Northern tip of the Napa Valley. Now five generations of Winegrowers into this, we have stuck it out through Prohibition, the Depression, Phylloxera as well as more than a few up and down cycles of economic fortune- winegrowing isn’t a passing fancy, it’s a way of life in our family. We keep a simple philosophy about making Shypoke wines, understand our land; respect that land by cultivating it sustainably; and allow its unique qualities to characterize the wines. We find that our wines are eminently suited to the table, with vibrant clarity of fruit expression and place. Proudly we offer you our 2007 vintage for your consideration:

Proudly, the 4th release from our two acre estate Cabernet block. Rooted in the porous alluvial soils that run through our Calistoga ranch, these vines prove why the Napa Valley is known for some fantastic Cabernets. A deeply colored and rich wine, filled with aromas of cassis, black berries, dense, dark chocolate and roasted coffee notes. The depth of black current flavor and mouth filling juicy red and blue fruit flavors is remarkable. The elegant structure and dense fruit fuse to create a lasting finish. Classic Cabernet spice and structure coupled with a rich tapestry of dark fruit-not to be missed. 108 cases produced.

Shypoke Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Sourced exclusively from our estate block of Sangiovese, named in honor of our niece, Olivia Meyer, great, great granddaughter of Michael and Louise Heitz who planted roots in this soil in 1904. The wine leads with perfumed aromas of strawberry, red cherries and toasted vanilla. Mouthwatering flavors of blood orange, raspberry and crushed strawberries. Lingering finish balanced with beautiful acidity. 192 cases produced.

The girls

Our diminutive half acre block of Petite Sirah is named after our daughter, Amelia Heitz who helps craft this wine. In the vineyard she helps her grandfather ‘Nonno’ tend to the vines and in the cellar crushing and pressing the new vintages. A deeply colored inky wine with aromas of currants, huckleberry, violets and brown sugar. Rich flavors of blueberry pie, black berries, and dark chocolate meld into an amazingly soft and lasting finish. 60 cases produced.

Amelia sanitizes her Petite Sirah fermentor

Amelia making the press cut

The rare Charbono grape hailing from the Savoie region of France and grown with pride on our Napa Valley estate since 1904 is a proud member of Slow Food’s Ark of Taste. Our sustainably farmed, century old vineyard celebrates the remaining 65 acres of Charbono grown worldwide. A vibrant, ruby hued wine with aromas of black cherry, pomegranate, and dark plum. Deep flavors of black fruit and cherry commingle and are accompanied by subtle sage and tar notes. The long finish is punctuated with ripe and round tannins which compliments the plump fruit flavors. 672 cases produced.

Charbono harvest!

Are they tasty yet?